Message from the Principal...

Thank you for visiting!

I am delighted to welcome you to our rapidly improving school, Rushden Academy. This year the school celebrates its Ruby Anniversary; originally opening in 1977 as Chichele College for Girls, later in 1991 it amalgamated to become Rushden School, which later became Rushden Academy, as we know it today. On site you will find an outstanding ‘First Friends’ day nursery, a wonderful, vibrant environment where some of our pupils gain work experience. We also have our own Hair and Beauty Salon that is open to the public, our trainees gain first-hand experience and the results they gain are top class.

Performing Arts and PE are strengths of the school, they regularly showcase performances or coach youngsters in local schools. Following a recent Ofsted monitoring inspection where the inspector observed a performing arts rehearsal they wrote that ‘pupils of all ages and abilities engaged with enormous enthusiasm and enjoyment. The high standard of their performance reflected dedication, hard work and collaborative team spirit’.

We are proud of the curriculum we have on offer, not only does it deliver the content pupils need to excel in today’s society it also develops their imaginations. We are excited about our plans to further develop the extra-curricular provision and bespoke interventions our pupil’s access. Team Rushden produce weekly bulletins, reading through these you soon get a strong sense of our values and purpose, and also get to see many fantastic photos of our pupils in action in the extra-curricular activities we already offer.

As the Principal of Rushden Academy, I am determined that we will deliver our pledge of outstanding leadership, excellent teaching, exemplary behaviour and great learning. Ofsted recently stated that ‘leaders are highly visible and extremely proactive in supporting staff and pupils, that leaders are completely involved in all aspects of the school’s work’(June 2017). In terms of the behaviour Ofsted commented that our pupils fully understood the rules, routines and values; that the anti-bullying charter was well understood and pupils commented that bullying was rare and pupils also commented that staff would deal with incidents swiftly and effectively. We do have a highly supportive pastoral system, which is focused on ensuring our pupils succeed and leave us as confident, articulate and aspirational young adults.

This year we appointed several pupil prefects, this is due to expand even further so that our pupil voice is very powerful and they continue to shape our continued improvements. Everyone in Team Rushden has a role and responsibility, we have built a culture where together, students and staff are united in transforming our school. In Team Rushden we expect each member to be smart, respectful, hard-working and resilient and we are unwavering in our goal to be the best we can be. As the Principal I believe that it is our duty to ensure that every team member leaves Rushden Academy wiser, more fulfilled and ready to embrace new opportunities and take charge of their lives.

Our website aims to give you further insight into our values and purpose. However, to fully appreciate everything Rushden Academy can offer, I warmly invite you to come and see for yourself. I very much look forward to welcoming you and your family and speaking to you personally whilst touring the school.

Mrs Jane Burton

Principal Rushden Academy

17th November 2017

The behaviour exhibited by Team Rushden pupils once again has been praised by visitors to school. The Royal British Legion were extremely complementary on how our students conducted themselves at the remembrance service, and how confident our pupils were at reading in front of the whole school. They were a huge credit to Team Rushden.

Mr Middleton shared his behaviour and attendance data this week and it is staggering how much the school has improved. Assessment data has also significantly improved across school; year 8 reports have now been published and y8 should be congratulated on an excellent set of results.

With only 3 weeks to go until Year 11 mocks, our students are being prepared well so that they have every chance to succeed. We have also set up a revision email so that Year 11 pupils can email their revision mind maps. There is a competition to see who can email the most into school with prizes being awarded to those who create the most.

10th November 2017

We are making a few changes to improve site safety and the overall impression of our school. This will be happening over the next few weeks and here are a few things to look out for.

There is an exam board outside the main hall to inform our students of forthcoming examinations, expectations and other important information. Seating plans for the Y11 mock exams will be the first to be displayed along with all the strict protocols that must be adhered to. Mrs Chambers will keep the exam board updated.

The Chichele Suite will become the sixth form area and the room within the suite will become the sixth form office. The sixth form area (Vocational Building) will be used for master classes, quiet areas for exams and there will be a separate meeting room available. The aim is to have this up and running at the start of December before the Y11 exams start so that our sixth form have their own seating area.

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Rushden Academy

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We operate a Safer Recruitment policy and all personnel involved in regulated activity will be required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure.